Michael Bazylewicz MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Ross Warren Filice MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To measure changes in reporting compliance after implementation of a standardized radiation reporting template for interventional radiology reports. To raise awareness of radiation use by presenting regular feedback at section meetings in an easily consumable format.

HL7 report data was collected from 2012 to 2014. An algorithm screened free-text interventional radiology reports in real-time to detect use of a standardized dose template and parsed fluoroscopy time for each report into a database. Accuracy of the algorithm was tested by manually comparing recorded data to the reports with iterative refinements to improve performance. Reporting template compliance was calculated monthly. Compliance before and after an educational program and mandatory directive to use the template were compared. Average fluoroscopy time and standard deviations were calculated for a list of top ten procedures. Visualizations were produced to display reporting compliance and average fluoroscopy time for individual physicians with comparisons to departmental means and standard deviations. These reports were presented at regular interventional radiology section meetings. 

Accuracy of the algorithm for detecting fluoroscopy time was 98%. The rate of fluoroscopy time recorded in reports before and after mandatory use of a standard template was 66% and 96% respectively. Graphically displaying the radiation data highlighted studies where fluoroscopy time exceeded departmental norms, identified dictation and procedure tracking errors, and helped refine algorithm accuracy. This data will continue to be presented regularly at section meetings to provide feedback on fluoroscopy use and facilitate future analysis of radiation dose.

Use of a standardized template for reporting fluoroscopy time improves radiation dose recording rates and allows data to be consumed and presented. Providing easily consumable feedback on fluoroscopy use raises awareness, identifies outliers, and detects report and tracking errors. We predict that continual feedback at section meetings will decrease radiation use and improve reporting compliance.

The results of this study can be used by radiology departments to improve radiation documentation and raise awareness of radiation use within an interventional radiology department.  

Bazylewicz, M, Filice, R, Radiation Feedback to Improve Awareness and Decrease Dose.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14005140.html